Lopes Homers for Third Consecutive Game in Rainiers defeat against Aviators

LeBlanc pitches 4 1/3 one-run innings in rehab outing for Tacoma

Tim Lopes (Jeff Halstead)

By Tacoma Rainiers | May 14, 2019 1:15 AM

Las Vegas, Nev. --Tim Lopes belted his third home runs in as many games in Las Vegas with a two-run blast in the third inning, but the Tacoma Rainiers were out-dueled in the late innings on Monday night by the Aviators, 4-2.

In a scoreless ballgame, Lopes provided all of Tacoma's (18-21) offense when he lifted a 3-0 pitch from Las Vegas (23-16) starter Parker Dunshee to score himself and Billy Cooke.

Wade LeBlanc made a rehab start for the Rainiers and went 4 1/3 innings, giving up one run on three hits, with two walks and two strikeouts.

In the batter's box, Tacoma was paced by Lopes, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, marking the fifth time Lopes has gone yard this season and the third day in a row. Lopes improved his season average to .304 and has at least one RBI in 10 of the last 14 games. Over his last five games, Lopes has four big flies and 10 RBI.

Billy Cooke furnished a standout day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with a triple. Ian Miller also contributed for the Rainiers, going 2-for-3 with a double, getting on base once via free pass.

Overall, Tacoma plated their two runs on nine hits, four of which went for extra bases, including one home run. The Rainiers also drew two free passes from Las Vegas pitchers.

The Rainiers will take the field again on Tuesday at 10:35 AM PDT against Las Vegas when Christian Bergman takes the hill for Tacoma. Mike Curto will have full coverage on South Sound Talk 850 with audio streaming available on the Tacoma Rainiers TuneIn Radio Network.

All tickets, group outings, and suites packages for the 2019 season are available for purchase in person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at TacomaRainiers.com, or over the phone at (253) 752-7707. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Rainiers throughout the season can be found by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), on Instagram (@tacomarainiers), or by liking the team on Facebook.